Decorative molding includes all of the kinds of trim used in a home. It can serve a purely decorative function, or it can also be used to hide any unfinished edges of a wall. Moldings can be made of wood-most usually of pine or oak-or, as is used frequently today, polyurethane. Polyurethane is a lightweight, long-lasting, durable alternative to wood. Molding can also be painted or stained.

This article provides a brief description of the types of decorative trim available as well as information available to guide you in your use of decorative molding in your home.

5 types of molding

There are five types of decorative molding commonly used. These include: baseboard, cornice, crown, wall moldings, and panel moldings. Let’s take a look at each one separately.

Base. Base molding is the trim used to finish the wall along the floor. Also called a mopboard, the baseboard protects the wall. Ideally, your baseboard complements the casings around your doors and windows. A baseboard is commonly found throughout every room in most homes.

Cornice. The cornice is the decorative molding placed along the top of the wall. Cornice can be built up using many pieces of trim. Cornice is a more ornate version of crown molding. Ornamentation includes acanthus leaf, egg and dart, modillions, or dentil among many others.

Crown. Crown molding is also used along the top of the wall. Also called bed moldings, they are installed at an angle to adjunct surfaces. Crown molding is also used to finish cabinets, built-ins, and fireplaces. Cove molding, a rounded piece of trim at the juncture of the wall with the ceiling, provides yet another means of transition from the wall to the ceiling.

Both crown and cornice moldings have been around as long as the use of plastered ceilings has been. Cornice and crown moldings usually reflected the type or intended use of the room. For example, reception rooms were often decorated with more ornate cornice moldings, while plainer crown molding was often installed in the more functional areas of the home, such as the kitchen.

Wall moldings. This group includes the chair rails, and the less common picture rails and friezes. Chair rails are popular features and so can be found throughout many homes. It is the molding that sits approximately 30″-36″ above the floor, right at about the height of a chairback. If you choose to panel the wall below, this trim is known as a dado cap.

Picture rails and friezes are often confused, while in actuality they are two separate entities, although the difference is slight. A picture rail has a rounded top edge protruding out from the wall, where hooks are often placed. Its main purpose is for hanging pictures. A frieze, on the other hand, is a flat molding, frequently decorated with relief carving or classical profile.

The picture rail or frieze and the chair rail form what is known in the Victorian architectural style as a tripartite. The wall is effectively broken up into three separate areas. This type of wall treatment extends your options for decorating considerably.

Panel molding. Panel molding is used to break large surfaces up into panels. Panel molding is normally found on doors, but can also be used to decorate walls and ceilings. Fairly easy to install for the average do-it-yourself homeowner, panel molding can be used to create a custom look. Panels can be used in creative ways utilizing such features as size, curves, and decorative corners. Little details may be slipped inside to create an even more elegant look.

Tips to Guide the Use of Decorative Moldings

Your use may be determined by a number of factors including the architectural style of your home, as well as your personal taste in design styles. Be sure that the size and scale of the trim is appropriate for the room to which you will be adding this type of ornamentation. If you choose to paint your moldings, keep in mind that contrasting colors can add a more “dynamic” element to your room. You may consider coordinating moldings with each other as well as with other design elements present in the room.

Synthetic polymer, or polyurethane, is a natural choice for molding today. As it is lightweight, it is easy to cut and install. Polymer is a more economically feasible choice if you opt for more elaborate decorative moldings. Moldings are also flexible, allowing the homeowner to trim curves and rounded areas of the home. When utilizing cornice and crown moldings, you can combine various types to create a more personal statement. However, this can be more challenging to install for the individual. Corner blocks are available as well in polymer. These can be useful in eliminating difficult corner cuts.

Now you are aware of many further options. Don’t be intimidated. Installation instructions and informative articles like this one abound on the internet. Do your homework and investigate all of your available options. This is something that you will have to live with, so it should reflect your tastes. They will certainly set the decorative tone of any home. Good luck to you as you begin to use decorative moldings to create your wonderful space.

Patricia Tomaskovic
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/an-introduction-to-decorative-molding-in-your-home-77506.html

Stair railings can look great indoors but you need to know what type of material will go best within your home. Look at each material in detail in order to choose the best railing for you.

When thinking of improving the home many people consider indoor railings. There are many different styles to choose from and the one which you choose tends to say a lot about your personality.

You can find stair railings which give a modern and homely look or you can choose ones which look older and a little more sophisticated. It all depends upon your own personal taste as to which one you choose.

All about Stair Railings Indoors

When you use railings indoors you automatically give people something to focus on within the home. When you look at a railing without even realizing it, you look all the way along it. You take in every detail and appreciate how it is made. This means that if you want guests to really appreciate what you have done with your home, you need a stair railing which will look impressive.

There are various materials that you can choose from when looking at stair railings and obviously they will all add a different look within the home. Most people like to use wooden railings as they look modern, they are easy to maintain and they are not overly expensive either. There are different types of wooden railings also and some of the best to choose form include oak, maple, cherry and pine. Each will have different patterns so you will need to look at them individually and compare them to find the best one for you.

As well as wooden railings you can also purchase steel and iron stair railings though they are usually a little more expensive. Many people also do not like the way that they look as they can look a little old fashioned. However, due to their old look it can create an elegant setting; again it all depends upon your tastes.

Why Decorating Your Stair Railings is a Good Idea

If you are looking for the perfect look for your railings then you may want to consider decorating them. You can purchase stair railings which are already patterned, however sometimes it is better to decorate them yourself.

To do this all you need is a few tiny details. Perhaps transfers or flowers could brighten the railings up a bit? There are so many things which you can add on and you can make them as elegant or as simple as you want to.

Overall it is usually better to purchase pre-patterned stair railings but if you do have a creative side then you may prefer to decorate them yourself. Pay attention to detail and choose railings which fit in with your home, otherwise the railings will just look odd and out of place.

Mr.Andrew Caxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-use-stair-railings-to-improve-your-home-121572.html

Close your eyes and you’ll picture an ugly grey slab of concrete and wonder how you could use it when decorating the home. However, concrete is becoming a valuable home decorating medium for everything from countertops to flooring.

Concrete can be pigmented, stained, etched, molded, and scored. It can be made into countertops, flooring tile, and mantles. It can be smoothed, etched with relief, and molded into intricate designs.

Concrete has the advantage of being water and heat resistant. There is a natural ‘feel’ to the medium that is comforting after twenty years of decorating with synthetic materials. The cost is comforting too. Concrete can be used in dozens of places around the home at a fraction of the cost of stone, and tile, and at a pittance compared to granite.

Concrete can have items imbedded into it like broken glass, tile, and stones. The list is endless.

A layer of wax or polyurethane needs to seal the concrete. The only drawback is that concrete can stain like stone. Its porous nature make it impossible to remove the stain.

Concrete countertops are as versatile and as colorful as their stone and looks nothing like the concrete blocks used in basement construction. In fact, it usually takes an expert eye to differentiate between concrete countertops and stone.

Concrete countertops are becoming popular as people turn toward a more natural, stone appearance in kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford granite or marble are choosing concrete.

Most concrete countertops are custom made, so you can be as creative as you want in their design and color. Don’t be afraid to create something unique.

The only concern is to make sure the contractor has worked with concrete before. You do not want to pay the price of a professional to let someone experiment in your home.

Concrete countertops are pre-cast at the contractor’s shop. They use special tables to pour, mold, and seal the concrete in the shop. However, some kitchens or bathrooms have a unique shape or design. The contractor may choose to build the countertops at the home so they may adapt to the edges and corners of the space available.

Concrete needs as much care as granite. Concrete needs to be sealed every few months so the it will remain stain proof and retain a shiny, just poured look.

On the plus side, concrete is stronger than granite or marble. It is resistant to heat and scratches, but knives will leave marks. Only use a mild soap on the concrete, and wipe up food spills of acid foods like tomato right away.

Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to $125 per square foot. Mantles can range from $100 – $2000. Tiles can be $10, or can be home made.

If you use a contractor make sure you see samples of their work – not pictures – before signing a contract. If you want to try the job yourself, then practice on some small projects first. Garden items are a good place to start.

Patricia Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/concrete-the-new-decorating-trend-126086.html

There is a room in every home that becomes the heart and center of one’s surroundings. For some this room might be the family room, library or home office. In the majority of households today the room that seems to have the most congestion and activities that take place is the kitchen. We seem to gather in the kitchen with laughter and tales of the day. This place does much more for the human sole than just provide a place to fill one’s stomach.

In most home designs the kitchen is the focal point. From most other rooms of the home you are able to see right into the kitchen. Because of this feature the kitchen becomes an important feature of your home decor.

Kitchen wall treatments are the key to decorating this busy room. Different wall treatments can be used to define a space by changing the texture, material or color. Kitchen wall treatments can create a space within a space.

It is best to decide which wall in the kitchen will be the focal point and then treat that space differently from those spaces around it. Experiment with different tones and shades and try varying the depth and texture for a truly unique concept.

A distinctive tile backsplash has the ability to create s focal point in the room. It is usually small and inexpensive. The visual impact you will achieve is hard to compare to other decorating techniques. This area gets so many splatters, so the backsplash is both decorative and functional. You can use ceramic, mosaic glass or stainless steel for easy clean up.

The colors you use in the kitchen can have a profound effect on the mood or ambience of the room. It is important to maintain balance with your own tastes in order to create perfect harmony. Using dark colors as accents gives a feeling of warmth and comfort. Colors such as red and orange can speed up your metabolism and make you hungry. Use these colors sparingly since they tend to also cause aggression.

Paint is the kitchen wall treatment that is the easiest to change, clean and least expensive of all. In most homes there are walls that are in less than perfect condition and it is hard to hide defects with paint alone. There are wall coverings that offer dimensions, warmth and eye appeal with surprisingly easy care.

There are many wallpaper options that run the gamut from contemporary to traditional. There are also tiles that were once strictly used for floors that are now being applied to walls for texture and visual allure.

Wallpaper can drastically change the look of your kitchen. There is self adhesive wallpaper available which is easy to install. Vinyl material is best suited for kitchens since it is easy to clean and very durable. It comes in a vast array of colors and patterns. Tiles can be more creative and will let you experiment with different tones. Tiles come in many different materials, shapes and styles.

Wallpaper borders can also be used to bring depth to your kitchen. If you do not like borders where the patterns keep repeating try a border that tells you a story. You can use wallpaper cut-outs and hand painted words that will make your family and friends feel comfortable. This will also be a conversation starter when neighbors arrive for a visit. Wallpaper borders are also not expensive and you do not need any special skills to apply wallpaper borders.

Another idea for the not so perfect wall is wood wall paneling. This decor gives your wall visual interest and one of its advantages is it is easy to maintain. Smudges and fingerprints do not show up easily, so you do not have to worry if somebody drops by unexpectedly.

For a bit of comfort and attractive appeal try wall plaques. This is a simple way to increase relaxation and beauty. If you have an unused wall or nook, make this space into a functional decorative storage space. Try hanging shelves for stylish organization. You might also try a fancy wrought iron hanger so that you can place your decorative plates along the wall. If your kitchen has a certain theme, you can purchase plates that match or compliment the theme. Framed family photos or cooking utensils placed just right can give you that pizzazz that you are looking for.

To give you that outdoor feeling indoors, a great idea is to hang metal wall planters. They are a versatile form of art that can transform you kitchen into a room with designer appeal. The metal wall planters can be modified with different flowers and foliage. They never look tired or outdated.

Now all you need to do is grab a pen and paper, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit at your kitchen table. Gaze out at your kitchen walls and let the creative side of you come alive. Let your imagination run wild and in no time you will create the kitchen of your dreams that will fit your personality and charm.
 

Barbara Tobiasz

Any ideas?

Also, I don’t want to use a regular basket for the base…Any suggestions of something that would be better?

For the base, you could use an empty paint can and fill it with paint brushes, rollers, decorating magazines, screwdrivers or hammers (or a cute pink tool set). Just go to Menards and walk around…I bet you could find all sorts of cute items to put in your gift basket. This is a really cute idea and I bet your Mom will love it!

The first Christmas decorations were the mistletoe and the holly. People all around the world, enlightened by the holiday spirit, felt the need to express their joy and decorate their homes for this special holiday. In the early days, food was also used for Christmas decorations. Today, Christmas trees are usually the focal point when it comes to decorating. They enrich ones home along with wreaths, garlands and additional beauty.

The mistletoe has a special meaning; it has a special kissing tradition coming from the Worse myths. It is said that Frigga, one of the gods, gave her son Balder a charm of mistletoe to protect him from the elements. The mistletoe was believed to have special healing powers in the Celtic culture and the British tradition traces back in the history the sacredness of the mistletoe.

Holly, with its dark green spiky leaves and red berries, was also believed to have magical powers and the ability to drive demons away. Germans considered holly to be a good luck charm against the hostile forces of nature.

Some of the most wonderful Christmas ornaments included cookies, candies and sugared fruits. Today, the tradition continues and a lot of kids enjoy making gingerbread houses, which can be used as centerpieces for Christmas displays and are eaten later.

A lot of people prefer using Christmas decorations as in the early days. They string cranberries or popcorn, the paint the edges of pine cones white to suggest snow and they add wonderful ribbons in white, green, red, blue,gold and silver. Modern Christmas ornaments include decorative baskets or containers with fragranced potpourri for an interesting display.

During the holiday season the magic of Christmas comes alive. At the mere mention of holly, ivy or mistletoe, visions of Christmas with all its wonderful memories wanders into our minds and we feel warm and peaceful. We are enraptured in visions of Christmas ornaments on trees, snow falling slowly, carolers singing and outdoor lights. The winter is cold and distant but the evergreens, the holly and the mistletoe are its small wonders. These winter delights are used as Christmas decorations in order to brighten up the chilly days of the winter.

The tradition of hanging a wreath on the front door is a welcome gesture of friendship. The wreath, the door garlands and swags are delightful Christmas ornaments that extend the evergreen theme of winter to other parts of the home. Using ones imagination and creativity, they can be wonderfully personalized and have an unique look and charm. You can use cones, berries and ribbons in order to increase the effect and have beautiful Christmas decorations. The branches of trees can also be used to decorate mantelpieces or form the basis of a table center arrangements.

Homemade Christmas ornaments include trimming of beads, knots of bright ribbons, paper stars and lace bags filled with candies. Nuts, seeds, berries and other homemade materials are used even today for Christmas decorations and they increase the beauty of the holiday. The tree décor is open to creative and inspirational holiday decorating ideas. Silver foil icicles, chains of tiny beads and crinkly of wire tinsel added sparkle to the Christmas trees in the past.

Decorating for the holidays can be a pleasure in itself and there are a lot of wonderful Christmas ornaments to choose from. The Christmas tree’s pine smell delights ones sense and decorating has become a true art form. The original tradition of outdoor lights is a cheerful delight throughout the holiday season. The cold winter days of December are warmed up by the amazing light displays that bring the holiday spirit to everyone.

Amelie Mag
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/christmas-decorations-and-ornaments-the-special-fragrance-of-holidays-86768.html

John Lennon has never been this well placed...

I’m a firm believer that dining rooms should have some designer touches on it. After all, if you’re a believer in molecular gastronomy, you know that your surroundings actually can make or break the eating experience.

Anyway, Eleni of My Paradissi has documented two absolutely gorgeous takes on dining rooms that are absolutely divine.

Check it out here.

What can I make at home, that wont be to expensive to do and still be very cute?

Im a girly girl, I love pink,purple and green.

u could print like a million pics of u and ur friends and paint some old frames and put them in there and hang them up to make ur room more personalized and btw pictures are really good conversation starters;)